It was already late when we set out for the next town, which according to the map was about fifteen kilometers away on the other side of the hills. There we felt that we would find a bed for the night. Darkness fell soon after we left the village, but luckily we met no one as we drove swiftly along the narrow winding road that led to the hills. As we climbed higher, it became colder and rain began to fall, making it difficult at times to see the road. I asked John, my companion, to drive more slowly. After we had travelled for about twenty kilometers, there was still no sign of the town which was marked on the map. We were beginning to get worried. Then without warning, the car stopped and we found we had run Out of petrol.
The travellers set out for the town although it was getting dark because
The passage explicitly states, "It was already late when we set out for the next town, which according to the map was about fifteen kilometers away... There we felt that we would find a bed for the night." This indicates that the travellers proceeded despite the late hour because they believed the destination was a short distance away (fifteen kilometers) and offered the prospect of lodging for the night.
Option (1) is incorrect because the passage does not convey any sense of urgency or hurry on the part of the travellers. Their primary motivation was to secure accommodation.
Option (2) is incorrect as, while the town was considered a short distance away, the passage makes no mention of it being a hill-resort. This detail is not supported by the text.
Option (3) is incorrect because the travellers set out from a village. Although darkness fell after their departure, they were not in a wilderness when they initially decided to leave.